Washington Gas Reaffirms System Safety Following FERC Decision Regarding Dominion Cove Point LNG Terminal

Washington Gas responds to FERC's ruling that the company was responsible for the increase in leaks due to the use of hot tar, not Cove Point's use of regasified LNG.

Here's a quote from Washington Gas's press release:

The company expressed its dissatisfaction with the FERC's conclusion, stating that the Commission disregarded key facts that link gas from Dominion's Cove Point terminal to the leaks.

"We will continue to maintain a safe and reliable system and protect the interests of our investors as we consider our options," said James H. DeGraffenreidt Jr., Chairman and CEO of Washington Gas.

FERC Blames Washington Gas's Use of Hot Tar for Increased Leaks

Here's the quote from FERC's June 15 press release:

The Commission found that Washington Gas Light (WGL) used hot tar on pipeline couplings, resulting in corrosion and gas leaks.

"“The Commission is convinced that WGL'’s use of hot tar as a method of corrosion protection was a significant contributing factor that resulted in an increase in leak rates through Prince George'’s County (MD),"” the Commission said. "“We find the application of hot tar and the increase in operating pressures on WGL'’s distribution system were the principal causative factors of the leaks experienced in Prince George'’s County, MD since the reactivation of the Cove Point LNG Terminal."

The Commission will require Cove Point to deliver regasified LNG that meets the gas quality specifications of all interconnecting pipelines.

"In view of these considerations, we find that claims raised in WGL’s November 2, 2005 filing provide no basis to deny the authorizations requested for the Cove Point Expansion Project,"” the Commission said.

Washington Gas may sue county for stopping liquefied natural gas tanks

An article written by Judson Berger from the Maryland Business Gazette states,

Washington Gas is considering more lawsuits following a County Council decision late last month that would prohibit construction of a controversial liquefied natural gas storage facility on its property in Chillum.

and...

The County Council effectively killed the Washington Gas proposal when it voted May 23 to approve a new Transit District Overlay Zone around the West Hyattsville Metro Station, near the proposed gas tank. The zoning prohibits fuel storage tanks.

2 liquefied natural gas proposals in MD ignite debate over safety

Quotes from an article written by Scott Faber from the Chesapeake Bay Journal:

Senator Stone and local officials and citizen groups gained a powerful and unexpected ally when Washington Gas recently complained that gas being delivered from Cove Point could damage pipe fittings and increase gas leaks.

The gas company urged federal regulators to oppose the expansion of Cove Point until the network of pipes that deliver gas to the region can be upgraded to handle imported natural gas. Washington Gas claims that imported gas has certain properties that are drying the rubber seals that link sections of pipe—a claim that Dominion Resources has rejected. They point to maintenance problems that caused the joints and seals to weaken.

Council vote may block LNG facility

Here are several quotes from an article written by Melissa Brachfeld from the Montgomery County Sentinel:

After several months of conflict, it seems that the Washington Gas Company may not get their chance to build a liquefied natural gas storage facility at their Chillum Road property.

The Sierra Club reported that on Tuesday, May 23, the Prince George's County Council voted 6-1 to approve the new Transit District Overlay Zone to guide development around the West Hyattsville Metro Station.

and...

On that same day, community residents in opposition to the proposed LNG facility were in the midst of presenting testimony for the seventh and last day before Maurene E. Epps-Webb, the county's zoning hearing examiner. Upon receipt of news of the county council's vote, Epps-Webb announced to all hearing attendees that this new zoning would prohibit her from ruling in favor of the Washington Gas' request for a special exception amendment, needed to permit the LNG plant within Open-Space zones.

and...

"We have cause to celebrate," Imani Kazana, a member of the WGWA and president of the Avondale Citizens' Association, said. "We have fought this zoning case for 15 long months, and some residents gave up and moved away. This development gives me great hope for a permanent end to this dreadful proposal to place a dangerous industrial activity in the midst of a densely populated residential neighborhood, and I pray the judges will do the right thing.